We really need to get one thing straight. The reason only one library
was used was that it was thought unlikely many or perhaps any others
would have opened their books in such a way, and Hampshire, who were
agreeable, were 'indicative' of the situation the author perceived. I
am sure a further study would be considered of all 149 public libraries,
if we could get them to participate?
________________________________
From: Chartered Library and Information Professionals
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of JACKIE FISHLEIGH
Sent: 07 May 2004 12:33
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: The Lords on Libri
Many thanks for posting that. The debate makes an interesting read.
I read a lot of autobiographies and am struck by how often the local
library is mentioned as an important influence on the subject's
intellectual development. In the recent edition of the South Bank Show,
looking at the career of Jeanette Winterson she regards Accrington
Public Library as a pivotal part of her upbringing.
I think it is a real shame that there is a trend for knowledge,
information and learning not to be valued in the way that they should be
and perhaps used to be. It is a pity that President Clinton who was an
intellectual, respected around the world despite coming from a humble
background, has been replaced by a man who although the son of a
previous President with all the privileges and advantages that bestowed,
appears to prize his ignorance as a vote winning " I'm just a geezer
like you" asset. Without getting too political he might have pondered a
little more before he invaded Iraq if he was more widely travelled and
had a better grasp of other cultures.
Apparently this report is based on a study of one library service in
Hampshire and secondly, statistics from the Audit Commission that are
two years out of date. I think that reinforces my point that knowledge,
information and learning are not valued enough. Why not delve a little
deeper than what goes on in Hampshire??!! Why not get hold of some
up-to-date statistics??!! And why not think a little more about the
damage which could be caused by rubbishing what is an important part of
British life.
Jackie Fishleigh
-----Original Message-----
From: Hanstock, Terry [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 07 May 2004 11:01
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: The Lords on Libri
(Apologies for cross posting)
There was a short debate on the Libri Report in the House of
Lords yesterday which included the following comment from Lord McIntosh:
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, I would
prefer to call my meeting in June a seminar rather than a summit. I
think that summit is a bit grand. I will not call chief executives and
leaders of councils to book; I will invite them to be present, which I
think is more constructive. I will also invite Tim Coates, the author of
the Libri report, and he will have an opportunity to defend his
statements about the decline of libraries, some of which I have a good
deal of doubt about.
The full text is here:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199900/ldhansrd/pdvn/lds04/te
xt/40506-01.htm#40506-01_star0
<http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199900/ldhansrd/pdvn/lds04/t
ext/40506-01.htm#40506-01_star0>
Terry Hanstock
Nottingham Trent University
